Community solar explained: Benefits and misconceptions

Welcome to Nexamp! You’ve taken an important step toward a more sustainable future by joining our community solar program. This post will clear up some common misconceptions about community solar so you can understand exactly what it means to be a Nexamp subscriber.

What are the benefits of community solar?

Community solar is a program that allows multiple people to share the energy generated by a single solar array, often called a solar farm or solar garden. Imagine a large field filled with rows of solar panels. Instead of the power feeding just one household, it’s shared with the local power grid. People who subscribe to this solar farm receive community solar credits on their utility bill which reduce what they pay to their utility.

  • Lower electricity bills
    By subscribing to a community solar program, you can reduce your annual energy costs. Each month, you’ll receive credits on your utility bill that directly lower the amount you owe to your utility. These savings can add up quickly and reduce your annual electricity costs by 10% to 15% depending on where you live.

  • No upfront investment
    One of the biggest barriers to adopting solar energy has always been the steep upfront cost of buying and installing panels. With community solar, there’s no need to shell out thousands of dollars. Instead, you get the financial benefits of solar energy without the initial investment, which makes renewable energy an easy, affordable option for nearly everyone.

  • Hassle-free
    There’s no need to worry about choosing the right panels, arranging for installation, or dealing with repairs and maintenance. Nexamp handles every detail, from construction to maintenance. As a subscriber, your only responsibility is to enjoy the savings and the satisfaction of using clean energy.

  • You can adjust the amount of solar power you need
    Solar panels produce a set amount of energy, so when you install them at home, your production depends on how many panels you have. Community solar lets you adjust your share based on your energy needs. If your usage goes up, like when adding an electric vehicle, you can increase your allocation without adding new panels.

  • Positive environmental impact
    Joining Nexamp isn’t just good for your wallet; it’s also good for the planet. By participating, you’re investing in reliable and affordable domestic energy production. This small shift contributes to cleaner air, water, and soil, while also supporting local economies and domestic manufacturing.

  • No barriers to access
    Community solar isn’t an exclusive club. There’s no credit check and you don’t even need to own your home. It’s designed for widespread access and ease. Renters, homeowners, and even businesses can all participate. The goal is to make clean energy and savings available to as many people as possible.

Community solar misconceptions

Community solar is a convenient, cost-effective option to reduce your electricity costs but it’s also important to understand what it isn't.

  • The savings aren’t instant
    Community solar is not an instant way to lower your bills. While it does offer significant savings over time, discounts don’t appear the moment you sign up. Depending on your area, and the availability of solar farm spots, there’s often a waiting period (typically 9-12 months) before you’re assigned to a solar farm and see savings reflected on your electricity bills. Patience is key, but the payoff is worth it.

  • It doesn’t replace your utility provider
    Even after subscribing to a community solar program, you’ll still remain connected to your utility company and receive power from the grid. Nexamp is not a third-party supplier. The energy generated by the solar farm supports the local grid, and you get credits on your electricity bill as a result. So while community solar reduces your electricity costs, it’s a supplement to your existing energy service, not a replacement.

  • Savings are not the same each month
    As a community solar customer, your Nexamp bills will vary from month to month. This common fluctuation is due to seasonal changes in solar power production. Longer, sunnier summer days generate more energy, increasing credit generation, while shorter, cloudier winter days result in fewer credits. Don’t worry—these changes balance out, and you’ll still save money over the course of a full year.

  • It isn’t a path to free energy and tax benefits
    Unlike rooftop solar, there are no tax incentives for community solar subscriptions, but the savings and environmental benefits still make community solar an attractive option.

  • It will not provide backup power during an outage
    Unlike home battery systems or generators, community solar won’t keep your lights on during a blackout or provide energy when there’s a power outage. Your participation in community solar is tied to the local power grid, so if there’s an interruption in service, you’ll be affected in the same way as other households connected to that grid.

Why choose community solar?

In the end, community solar is about making it easy to access clean energy and save money on electricity. It makes solar power possible for renters, busy homeowners, and anyone else who’s ever felt solar energy was out of reach. With no upfront costs and the potential for ongoing savings, it’s a way to support America’s shift to cost-effective, domestic energy sources without going broke or breaking a sweat.


Key takeaways

  • Lower electricity bills with no upfront investment
    With community solar, you get the financial benefits of solar energy without the initial investment, which makes renewable energy an easy, affordable option for nearly everyone.
  • Hassle-free and customizable
    Nexamp handles every detail, from construction to maintenance. Unlike traditional solar panels, you can adjust your share of a solar farm based on your energy needs.
  • Easy to make an impact
    Community solar is designed for widespread access and ease, so that renters, homeowners, and even businesses can take part in contributing to cleaner air, water, and soil.
  • Savings aren't instant and can fluctuate each month
    While it does offer significant savings over time, discounts don’t appear the moment you sign up. Due to seasonal changes in solar power production, the amount you save each month will vary. Don't worry, these changes balance out over the course of a year.
  • Nexamp doesn't replace your utility provider
    While community solar reduces your electricity costs, it's a supplement to your existing service, not a replacement.